Stagecoach has officially launched contactless payments on over 360 buses in the Highlands and Moray.
The local bus operator showcased the new technology in an event held at Inverness Airport.
The initiative allows passengers to pay for their travel with a contactless credit or debit card, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
The company say passengers will benefit from the latest technology which will make boarding quicker and easier on all Stagecoach buses from Inverness and Elgin to Caithness, Sutherland, Orkney and Skye. There are currently over 100 million contactless cards in circulation in the UK.
Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director of Stagecoach North Scotland, said: “Bus travel is experiencing a complete transformation and we are delighted to be able to celebrate this today. We continue to invest in new technology to make it easier than ever to catch the bus.
“From contactless technology and mobile apps to greener vehicles with lower emissions benefitting the environment, buses are the simpler, smarter and greener mobility solution. We will look forward to welcoming passengers on board to try the latest improvement we have introduced to our network across North Scotland.”
Inverness Airport General Manager Graeme Bell, said: “This is excellent news for airport passengers. Not only does it make using the Stagecoach service even easier, it is a boost for the many overseas visitors who often arrive at the airport with little or no UK currency to hand. For local passengers, it means one less thing to deal with when travelling to and from the airport.”
The introduction of contactless payments is part of a £12 million project across the UK and follows on from the Stagecoach investment in their mobile app allowing customers to track their bus live as well as purchase their ticket before boarding the bus.